Vail Daily obituary: Orlando H. Mascarenaz, 1940-2013

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Orlando H. Mascarenaz of Leadville passed away Sunday surrounded by his loving family. He was 73 years at his passing. Orlando was a Leadville native, born Jan. 28, 1940.

Orlando met his sweetheart Lucille in Casper, Wyo., and later married her on April 16, 1959 in Leadville. Together, Orlando and his wife, Lucille Mascarenaz raised a family of five. Orlando was survived by his wife of 54 years, Lucille Mascarenaz; daughters Lucy (Danny) Lovato, of Leadville, Elizabeth (Billy) Jaramillo, of Leadville, Margret (Danny) Martinez, of Antonito, and son Matthew (Annette) Mascarenaz, of Leadville. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews as well as four brothers and two sisters. Orlando is preceded in death by his son Orlando (John) Mascarenaz, daughter Debbie Mascarenaz, his parents and two brothers.

Orlando was more than a loving husband, but a wonderful father, special grandpa and great grandpa. Many will remember Orlando as a loving man who was very humble in the life he led. He and his wife were yard sale fanatics and he loved to collect many things, but his favorite was monkeys. He had a great love for his pets. He was an animal lover and wouldn't hesitate to feed or take in a stray. Many loved to visit with him, have a smoke, some coffee and eat cupcakes. He was a friend to many, old and young. The neighborhood children adopted him as their own grandpa. They would knock on his door, hold their hand out and say, "save my life." Orlando always had Life Savers in his shirt pocket to give away.

Orlando's faith was strong. He was a longtime member of Holy Family Parish and a true role model to his family and friends. He could also be found donating to many charities and helping anyone in need.

Orlando was a jack of all trades. He ran a gas station in Malta, he was a miner, and a custodian for the Lake County Courthouse, where he retired after over 20 years of service. He will be truly remembered as a dependable, hardworking individual.

Orlando's passion for life was his family. With this said, he could be found hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. All the grandkids were known to fight over who was going to cruise with Grandpa. He had all the best treats from cupcakes of all sorts to his special brewed coffee.

Orlando's humble spirit defined him for the kind man that he was. His doors were always open to share, whether it was a Camel cigarette, or just an open ear. Orlando had a kind approach which touched the hearts of all who knew him. He was never one to judge and never had anything bad to say. His old friends would remember him as a young buck with his white T-shirt and rolled up jeans. He was a rebellious soul and known to be quite the jokester.

Orlando will be truly missed as there is no one now to save our lives. His trademark was giving everyone a Life Saver. As he would have said in his younger days, "This here is the Double Eagle KQP9688 over and out." You leave us with deep goodbyes, but know you will be missed but never forgotten in our hearts, prayers and thoughts. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 7 p.m. on Friday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Leadville with Deacon Tony Werckman officiating. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Jesse Perez as celebrant. Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with a reception to follow at Leadville Elks Lodge No. 236. Bailey-Kent Funeral Home of Leadville is assisting the family with arrangements.